Atkins: A Capsule Summary

Put “Atkins” right up there with “Kleenex” and “Band-Aids” as a brand name that has taken over the category – in the minds of many, the “Atkins Diet” IS low carb dieting. Indeed, Atkins is often called the “Father of Modern Low Carb Diets” for a reason – his 1972 book Dr. Atkins’ Diet Revolution truly was the beginning of a revolution which continues to this day. The essence of the Atkins program is 1) a diet of lower carbohydrate intake to intervene into what Atkins reckoned to be the underlying causes of overweight and 2) mechanisms to tailor the diet to the individual.

There are four phases to the Atkins diet: Induction, Ongoing Weight Loss (OWL), Pre-maintenance, and Maintenance. The length of these phases depends mainly upon the how overweight a person is and how they respond to the diet. In his books, Atkins emphasizes the importance of each level, however, on the Atkins Web site it says, “Beginning with Induction is your choice -- you can begin Atkins at any of the four phases. However, Induction will jump start your weight loss as you cut back significantly on carb consumption.”

As dieters proceed through the phases, they add more carbs, focusing on nutrient-dense ones, and avoiding refined grains and sugars. All the while they are monitoring their weight and staying at a carb level where they are still losing. Gradually, they transition to Maintenance, or “Atkins for Life”, the lifelong program. At this point, individuals are eating at a carb level which allows them to maintain their weight. Emphasis is on wise carb choices, with sugar and refined grains remaining verboten.